Pleasanton Weekly

Hostermans now head both the city and its downtown business group

by Jeb Bing

Downtown Attorney Michael J Hosterman was sworn into office Tuesday night as this year's president of the Pleasanton Downtown Association by his wife Jennifer, who is also the city's mayor.

Others holding top offices at the city-subsidized organization include Vic Malatesta, owner of Vic's All Star Kitchen, as president elect; Bernie Billen of Valley Community Bank, as secretary; and Janet Yarbrough, a certified public accountant, as treasurer.

The Pleasanton Downtown Association was established in 1984 by the City Council, which recognized this special business area with the creation of the PDA. The organization operates as an assessment district with the goal of "developing and promoting a vibrant downtown community."

It functions as a non-profit organization with funding provided by member assessments on the 575 businesses located in the downtown district. It also receives matching city/taxpayer funds, sponsorships and holds revenue-producing events.

This year, the PDA will receive about $65,000 in public funds to match the assessments paid.

Michael Hosterman, a personal injury attorney, has been active in the downtown area since moving his practice from San Jose to Main Street in 1990, and later to Peters Avenue, where his office is now located. Shortly after opening his office, he was hit with a fee he had to pay to the PDA, a quasi-public assessment district that all businesses located downtown must join.

Curious, he decided to attend a few meetings to see just how his assessment was being used and, like so many here whose curiosity gets the best of them, he was quickly given committee and task force assignments that have now led to heading the organization.

That seems fine with Hosterman, who has become one of the most visible lawyers in town, always handling the beer garden booth placement and other activities during the popular summertime First Wednesday events.

As a member of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton, he also joins in community service projects, including luncheons at the Pleasanton Senior Center and chairing the club's annual Father's Day and Halloween Spirit Runs.